Sole Structure for a Shoe

Abstract

The invention provides a sole structure that can not only prevent deterioration of cushioning performance and improve cushioning properties but also enhance flexibility. The sole structure 1 includes a rear foot sole 2 disposed at a rear foot region of the sole structure 1, a forefoot sole 3 disposed at a forefoot part F of the sole structure 1, and a plate 4 disposed at the rear foot region of the sole structure 1 and having an upwardly convexly curved shape along a heel part H to a midfoot part M of the sole structure 1. A front end portion 4f of the plate 4 is disposed at a front end portion 2Af, 2Bf of the rear foot sole 2 (i.e. upper and lower soles 2A, 2B). There is formed a gap S in front of the front end portion 4f of the plate 4 between the front end portion 2Af, 2Bf of the rear foot sole 2 and a rear end portion 3r of the forefoot sole 3.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates generally to a sole structure for a shoe, and more particularly, to an improved sole structure that can prevent deterioration of cushioning performance to improve cushioning properties and that can enhance flexibility.BACKGROUND ART[0002]As a sole structure for a shoe that can prevent deterioration of athletic ability while securing cushioning properties at the time of striking the ground, the applicant of the present invention has proposed such a sole structure as shown in Japanese Patent No. 3308482. Japanese Patent No. 3308482 describes a sole structure in which the wavy corrugated sheet is interposed between the soft elastic upper midsole and the soft elastic lower midsole at least at the heel region of the shoe (see FIG. 1 of JP Pat. No. 3308482).[0003]On the other hand, Japanese Patent No. 4656543 describes a sole structure in which a number of deep indentations are formed on the bottom surface of the midsole at the region ext...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the plate having the upwardly convexly curved shape is provided at the rear foot region of the sole structure, deterioration of cushioning performance of the rear foot region of the sole structure can be prevented. Also, since the front end of the plate is disposed at the front end of the rear foot sole and the gap is formed in front of the front end of the plate between the front end of the rear foot sole and the rear end of the forefoot sole, a forward movement of the front end of the plate at the time of deformation of the plate is not hindered by the sole thereby allowing for a smooth deformation of the plate to improve cushioning properties. Moreover, the gap formed in front of the front end of the plate facilitates bending deformation of the rear foot sole relative to the forefoot sole thus enhancing flexibility.

[0030]According to the second aspect of the present invention, the plate provided at the rear foot sole of the sole structure can prevent deterioration of cushioning performance of the rear foot sole. Also, since there is formed a gap without the rear foot sole in front of the front end of the plate, a forward movement of the front end of the plate at the time of deformation of the plate is not hindered by the sole thereby allowing for a smooth deformation of the plate to improve cushioning properties. Moreover, the gap formed in front of the front end of the plate facilitates bending deformation of the rear foot sole relative to the forefoot sole thus enhancing flexibility.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, there is a risk that cushioning properties of the midsole easily become deteriorated.

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